This section of the Zambezi, although some 250 kms in length, would not need a continuous canal as some sections are navigable already and merely need dredging. Again for speed and, dependent on available funding, it would be preferable to undertake several sections at once.When completed it would provide a 1500 km seaway of immense importance to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and now Botswana.

The Mechanics of Investment and Operation.

1. To obtain the support of the Zimbabwe, Zambian and Mozambique Governments and preferably by their respective Heads of State. As a trilateral MOU has already been signed for the Shire-Zambezi project this stage, seems academic.

2. There would have to be agreement, similar in content, to the Beira Corridor with taxation concessions from all involved countries in consideration of the substantial increase in export revenue by the provision of a low cost transportation system. (It would be counterproductive for any country to implement an effective tax on the transportation of its exports)
3. The shareholding needs to be open to the international community via a pubic company placed on the stock exchange in order to raise necessary investment in foreign exchange.

4. Finally, there would be need for financial agreement to be reached between the Reserve Banks of all three countries and for their assistance floating the company on the international stock market and local banking facilities.

Marketing

The question could be asked of all First World countries, their aid organisations and their financial bodies “Which of you would like the opportunity to give something back to Africa, to engage in real development?"

General

Most regional projects are based on the situation whereby, in the main, foreign exchange is expended on capital goods imported from the First World or tied to goods from a particular First World country – little is spent locally and, in the export of its raw materials little is gained, much being eroded by transport costs and debt. Inputs for the Zambezi Seaway are in the main available locally and it is thus that this project has the ability to kick-start the Regional economy.
Hydroelectric Projects utilise huge areas of land, sometimes covering deposits of precious minerals leading to excessive loss of water due to increased evaporation when, in Zimbabwe for example, low grade coal is in abundance as an alternate. (Enough coal is available to supply the region for some 500 years) Such projects are prone to siltation and are environmentally unfriendly reducing available land to animals and plant life.
Even rail transportation is now based on electricity in short supply and, imported diesel fuel, courtesy, of the First World’s ‘developmental’ aid to the disadvantage of all local exports. It is hard to reflect on any project sponsored by the First World which is real development and which has long term benefit.

The writer, John D Holland Esq., Chairman and founder of this Company, an engineering designer, businessman, former Chairman of the Intellectual Property Committee and holder of international patents, has considered various projects which would have economic impact on the Region. He firmly believes that the Zambezi Seaway project, first muted prior to Independence before the advent of Cabora Bassa Dam, is such a project.